 |
| S.I.S. Baby Phat Chandra #1 of 3 before deboxing |
After reading a status update written by a member of the Facebook SIS Group and noting the mention of glue used in the doll's head along with other issues she reported, I decided to debox one of my three Baby Phat Chandra dolls.
My doll, in my opinion, is without problem. I love her hair, her straight-forward glance, and her outfit (even if it is one piece). I took several pictures which are included below. Click to enlarge any.
 |
| Her hair looks a little windblown because I didn't take the time to finger comb it before her photo shoot. |
 |
| Chandra exudes confidence. |
 |
| Isn't she gorgeous? |
For others who have not deboxed any Baby Phat SIS dolls, I took the following body comparison photo of Chandra and Fashionista Artsy #1.
While their body markings differ, their bodies appear identical with some exceptions. Chandra is not articulated underneath her breasts. The knee articulation and the shape of their hands and legs is identical. The body and leg markings are different and Chandra's upper legs do not have the same range as Artsy's as illustrated in the final picture:
 |
| Artsy can do a full split while Chandra can only slightly part her legs to the side. |
Why do I have three Chandras?
Inquiring minds might want to know the answer to the above question. After waiting for the dolls to arrive locally for what seemed like an eternity, I purchased the first Chandra along with Kara and Marisa at Wal-Mart. Grace was not in stock.A few weeks later while my daughter was out and about, I asked her to check a local Target to see if the dolls were in stock. At that time I only needed Kara (a purchase for someone else) and the Grace that I was missing. All dolls were available except Marisa, which I did not need, so I had my daughter purchase Kara, Grace, and my second Chandra.
My most recent Chandra purchase was made a couple of weeks ago when Toys R Us advertised a Barbie sale for $8.99 on all dolls regularly priced up to $14.99. With the TRU sales paper in hand, I went to Wal-Mart and price-match purchased my third Chandra along with a duplicate Kara.
This still doesn't answer the why three Chandras question. While her body does not have the full range of movement as Artsy's, it is articulated. Dolls with a complexion as deep with full articulation are few and far between. I can always use the extras as body donors should the need arise.
dbg
Follow my Dolls for Sale blog
Please visit and "Like" The Doll Blogs: When Dolls Speak I Listen
I like when the dolls have full articulation. I am still looking to purchase my first Baby Phat dolls. I cannot find them.
ReplyDeleteI hope the dolls arrive in your area soon, MDW. I know how frustrating it can be to hear about their availability in other areas while you continuously have to wait. I guess this is why I have scooped up so many when seeing them.
Deletedbg
HIGH-larious review Debbie! Sorry about the one-piece outfit! I tried!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job guruuvy. I am quite pleased. I especially love Chandra's hair. It reminds me of mine after I have banded it.
Deletedbg
She is beautiful and I want one (ok, maybe 2 if I can find her cheap).
ReplyDeleteSome Targets have had them for ridiculoulsly low prices in some areas, but not here. I've had to pay full price for all mine with the exception of the ones I price matched at $8.99.
DeleteThey cost the most at Target ($12 and change). Before the Wal-Mart price match, I made Wal-Mart sell them to me for $11.99 by telling the cashier that's what I thought the price was when they rang up for $13.24. The first time I did this, I really did think that was Wal-Mart's price. The second time... well... er... um... if it worked the first time, why not try it again because they shouldn't be charging more than suggested retail for them anyway.
I hope you're able to get the ones you want for a good price Roxanne.
dbg
I am still keeping mine in her box for a little while longer. It was such a drama to get her I kind of want to leave her alone. She is also one of the few hinged knee dolls that I have so I didn't know about the limited leg spread.
ReplyDeleteHey Muff,
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have multiples of Chandra, this one would still be boxed. The limited leg range is not a problem for me. She assumes several standing poses well and can sit gracefully as will be illustrated in a future post.
dbg
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand purchasing multiples of Chandra. I also have three and will continue to purchase another here or there. Unfortunately, Mattel with throw a dark skinned doll in the mix every now and then and I plan to be ready when they do. Not to mention, I have a few dark skinned dolls anxious to have an articulated body. I just wish I could get them for much less than their price point,
Good move, GG. I too hope you can find more Baby Phat Chandras for far below retail. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Mattel would make all dolls fully articulated or sell the articulated bodies in various skin tones separately. They could go a step further and sell a variety of heads... and I mean more than one AA sculpt... separately. Collectors and other consumers could create different dolls by matching the loose heads and bodies. Listen up Mattel.
ReplyDeletedbg
Applause! Great idea, Debbie.
DeleteI would sign such a petition. Let us know if you set one up on Change.org or elsewhere ;-D
Thanks D7ana. I have no plans to petition Mattel for bodies and swappable heads. But I would definitely sign one if someone were to create one.
Deletedbg
I completely understand 3 Chandras. I plan to have three of Chandra and Kara, mainly for body donors. Kara's skin color is hard to find when needed, too. She is the perfect match for Model 8 of the Barbie Basics. I plan to rebody her as soon as I get the second Kara. There is definitely a market for just bodies. Some small business could do quite well with that. They could probably partner with the major companies and secure extra bodies at a great price and then sell them. I don't even mind the $12 price. I guess I'm so used to it now, and when compared to the $100 Integrity dolls, anything under $30 (adding in that $12 extra body) is okay. Just thinking about those Integrity dolls makes me want to get up and head to Target for some more $12 bodies.
ReplyDeleteI just cut apart the one piece suit today to make a separate jacket and skirt. I will show it soon.
I agree $12 is not a bad price to pay for an articulated body alone, but I'd rather it be $10 or less. Hey... a woman can hope.
DeleteWow... you are so talented, Vanessa. I can't wait to see Chandra's cut apart suit!
dbg
Forgot to mention, just selling the clothes separate for the extra bodies will help decrease the cost of the extra doll.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip, Vanessa. I have sold the clothing on duplicate dolls, which does defray the cost of purchasing just for the body.
Deletedbg
I got a Chandra off of eBay for a reasonable price. Sadly, she did have problems with glue leaking out of her head, so I had to remove the hair and glue and do a complete re-root. It's a shame to have to re-root a doll with perfectly good hair, but I'm so glad I picked up the skill all those years ago! And the doll looks good as new. She just needs a boil perm now.
ReplyDelete